This coming Shabbat is Shabbat haChodesh – the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Nisan – the month in which we celebrate Passover (first night of which will be a full moon). Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, was traditionally honoured by a gathering to see the sliver of moon, and say prayers. We must calculate our dates and holidays very carefully so that we are celebrating our holidays at the proper time. We read in Torah that, “Hachodesh hazeh lechem Rosh Chodashim” – this month is the first of months for you.” And we say, Chodesh tov.
By the light of the silvery moon…we will spoon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uJqmJpIqs
It is also a tradition to “sell” our chametz (wheat, oats, barley, rye and spelt, etc. – check those ingredients) before Pesach, so that we have no benefit from foods that are forbidden to us over these coming days. If you wish to have a form authorizing the sale of these foods, please let me know and I will forward a copy to you. This is a technicality, a legal fiction, if you will, but does hold. You will sell and then buy back your food items at the end of Pesach – if your neighbour has not eaten up your crackers and pastries in the meantime! These foodstuffs do not have to be literally carried over to your non-Jewish friend, you can tie the cupboards up, and not open them, but legally the goods no longer are yours.
Wishing you well, and long life – especially to Gilda Good’s mother, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday very soon.: ביז הונדערט און צוואַנציק; Biz hundert un tsvantsig.
Love to all,
Rabbi Lynn
Vayakhel
March 7, 2021 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk Tags: vayakhel •
This coming Shabbat is Shabbat haChodesh – the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Nisan – the month in which we celebrate Passover (first night of which will be a full moon). Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, was traditionally honoured by a gathering to see the sliver of moon, and say prayers. We must calculate our dates and holidays very carefully so that we are celebrating our holidays at the proper time. We read in Torah that, “Hachodesh hazeh lechem Rosh Chodashim” – this month is the first of months for you.” And we say, Chodesh tov.
By the light of the silvery moon…we will spoon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0uJqmJpIqs
It is also a tradition to “sell” our chametz (wheat, oats, barley, rye and spelt, etc. – check those ingredients) before Pesach, so that we have no benefit from foods that are forbidden to us over these coming days. If you wish to have a form authorizing the sale of these foods, please let me know and I will forward a copy to you. This is a technicality, a legal fiction, if you will, but does hold. You will sell and then buy back your food items at the end of Pesach – if your neighbour has not eaten up your crackers and pastries in the meantime! These foodstuffs do not have to be literally carried over to your non-Jewish friend, you can tie the cupboards up, and not open them, but legally the goods no longer are yours.
Wishing you well, and long life – especially to Gilda Good’s mother, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday very soon.: ביז הונדערט און צוואַנציק; Biz hundert un tsvantsig.
Love to all,
Rabbi Lynn